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HOK and Skanska USA Complete Major Renovation at Tampa International Airport

The design-build team of Skanska and HOK led the redevelopment of the main terminal and concessions program—one of the largest elements of the airport’s first phase expansion.

The terminal expansion and upgrades will enhance the passenger experience, improve wayfinding and expand concession options for travelers at one of the nation’s best airports. The work is part of a three-phase expansion and modernization that will allow Tampa International Airport to accommodate up to 34 million annual passengers. The airport served a record 21 million passengers in 2018 and is projected to continue to grow in 2019.

“When guests visit the renovated terminal, they will experience design details reflecting the beautiful Tampa Bay region,” said Leesa Coller, AIA, HOK’s design principal. “The comprehensive design integrates the soft colors of the beaches and bay as well as the lush greens and brightly colored local flora.”

As part of the main terminal renovation, the creation of additional areas for passengers to rest, conduct business or enjoy family time was a priority. The new terminal also improves sight lines across the entire floor, integrates airside concessions, and makes four outdoor terraces accessible to meters-greeters, passengers and employees with two terrace spaces dedicated to restaurants. The airside functional improvements for all gate lounges include power poles, new seating options, recycle units and the integrated concessions.

With its completion, the project adds 55,000 square feet to the terminal’s third-floor transfer level. By pushing back shuttle enclosures and moving restaurants to the perimeter, it opens a central area for shops and comfortable lounge seating. Privacy glass in restaurant and event spaces allows for more natural light.

In its role as builder, Skanska led the Main Terminal Transfer Level expansion and redevelopment of the Airport’s Main Terminal and functional improvements to airsides A, C, E and F. The Transfer Level expansion included raising the former east and west outdoor decks, creating four transfer-level terraces, relocating all four shuttle car lobbies to the airsides and the removal of the former airside D shuttle lobby to create space for a food court. The project included improvements to the ticket and baggage claim wayfinding signage.

Overall, the project adds 98,000 square feet of new enclosed and usable space and 69 concessions spaces in five facilities. The work also includes the installation of 32 new escalators and renovation of all 24 public elevators in the Main Terminal.

“Our team at Skanska worked in close collaboration with our design partner on this project, HOK, to deliver a Main Terminal that is more efficient and will better serve the evolving needs of today’s airport passengers,” said Michael C. Brown, Skanska’s executive vice president, general manager for Florida. “With the delivery of this renovation and expansion, passengers at Tampa International Airport will benefit from more ample seating areas, selection of dining and shopping options, and a look and feel that reflects Tampa’s best attributes.”

Sustainable design and building methods used in the passenger terminal project are projected to make it 30 percent more energy efficient than current energy required standards, with the lighting systems using LED lamps and an aluminum ceiling painted in matte white to provide better light reflection.

As part of this historic expansion, the airport also launched a new public arts program that is enhancing its spaces with innovative works of art.